BRIMFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – First Wind wants to build turbines in Brimfield, but many residents say they don’t want wind power in their back yard.

“I am not against green, I am against wind,” said Elizabeth Smola of Brimfield.

“We need to have our own energy sources within this country and I think wind is a very viable option,” said Ron Ignotz of Brimfield.

More than 50 people came out to First Wind’s informational meeting on their Brimfield wind power proposal.

First Wind plans on installing 8 to 10 turbines on West Mountain and Steerage Rock in Brimfield.
Residents told 22News they are concerned about how these turbines will affect property values.

“A lot of towns, where they have put in turbines have been loss of property values any place from 25 to 50%,” said John Kozikowski of Brimfield.

“There are anecdotal studies and statements all over the internet that talk about massive declines, you can trust that or you can trust studies based on thousands of turbines from multiple states from the Department of Energy that says there is no correlation between wind turbines and property values,” said David Velez, First Wind’s Development Manager.

First Wind’s also admitted that these 450 foot tall turbines do make sounds.
The possible noise pollution has turned off some residents.

“In this town, there are 79 homes that are within 500 to 1000 feet of this wind farm and we will be putting up with the noise,” said Elizabeth Smola of Brimfield.

Though the debate is starting to heat up, this wind power proposal is only in the beginning stages.
It’s unclear at this time if turbines will ever come to Brimfield.

The next informational meeting is September 21st.
A public hearing will be held on September 29th.

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